Mumbai Travel Guide

Mumbai Travel Information

Electricity

240 volts, 50Hz. A variety of power outlets are used
in India, but most plugs have two or three round
pins.

Language

Although English is generally used for official and
business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by
about 40 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common
with the Muslim demographic. India has a total of 22 official
languages

Tipping

In India, taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped; however,
tipping is expected in other services (porters, guides, hotel staff
and waiters in small establishments). In tourist restaurants or
hotels a 10% service charge is often added to bills. 'Baksheesh' is
common in India: more a bribe than a tip, it is given before rather
than after service.

Safety Information

Travellers in India must be aware of, but not paranoid about,
the threat of terrorism. Recent attacks in Mumbai, Delhi,
Ahmedabad, Agra and Bangalore occurred in popular tourist haunts
like hotels, railway stations, markets and temples. There is the
threat that public places frequented by Western tourists in the
metropolitan centres (Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai) may be
targeted in future. Tourist areas such as Goa are also at risk.
Travellers visiting large religious events are advised that these
ceremonies, which attract hundreds of thousands of people, can
result in life-threatening stampedes. Increased security at major
airports means travellers can expect delays. On a more everyday
level, there is a risk of minor property left, such as
pick-pocketing - but incidents of violent crime in India are
astonishingly low. Travellers using India's vast railway network
are advised to lock their baggage, and to keep it as close to them
as possible. There are also always stories about India involving
scam-artists - so be on your guard, and if someone offers you a
'business opportunity' that seems too be good to be true, remember
that it probably is.

Local Customs

India is a tolerant society, but visitors should educate
themselves about its religious and social customs so as not to
cause offence: for example, smoking in public was banned in October
2008. When visiting temples visitors will probably be required to
remove their footwear and cover their heads. Generally, women
should dress more conservatively than (perhaps) they are used to
doing at home, both to respect local sensibilities and to avoid
unwanted attention. Topless bathing is illegal. Indians do not like
to disappoint, and often instead of saying 'no', will come up with
something that sounds positive, even if incorrect. Social order and
status are very important in Indian culture - remain respectful and
obliging with elders. Avoid using your left hand, particularly when
eating.

Business

Business in India is conducted formally, with punctuality an
important aspect. Suits and ties are appropriate, and women in
particular should dress modestly. If it is very hot, jackets are
usually not required and short-sleeve shirts are deemed
appropriate. It is customary to engage in small talk before getting
down to business, and topics can range from anything from cricket
to politics. Business cards are usually exchanged on initial
introduction, using the right hand only. Handshakes are fairly
common, though one should wait to see if greeted with a hand, or a
'namaste'
a traditional Indian greeting of a small bow accompanied
by hands clasped as if in prayer. Visitors should return the
greeting. It is common for women to participate in business
meetings, and hold high positions in companies, and foreign
businesswomen are readily accepted. Business hours are usually from
9.30 to 5.30pm (weekdays) with a lunch break from 1pm to 2pm, and
Saturdays from 9.30am to 1pm.

Communications

The international access code for India is +91. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)11 for Delhi.
International calls can be quite expensive and there are often high
surcharges on calls made from hotels; it is cheaper to use a
calling card. Alternatively, there are telephone agencies in most
towns which are identifiable by the letters STD for long distance
internal calls and ISD for the international service. The local
mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements
with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in
the main cities and resorts.

Duty Free

Travellers to India over 17 years do not have to pay duty on 200
cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; one bottle of alcohol;
medicine in reasonable amounts; 59ml of perfume and 250ml eau de
toilette; and goods for personal use. Prohibited items include
livestock, bird and pig meat products.

Travel guide by (c) Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.